Program and variable change analysis

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems include ways to implement change analysis of an automated production line including at least one robot. Monitoring a plurality of operating parameters associated with the automated production line including the at least one robot followed by recording at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters. A notification is then provided identifying the at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters. The notification can include mapping the at least one change onto a graphical representation of the automated production line, thereby identifying a portion of the automated production line affected by the at least one change. As a result, at least one of the operating parameters can be adjusted in response to the notification. An action can also be performed in response to the notification. In this manner, the change analysis can optimize operation of the automated production line.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/385,445, filed on Sep. 9, 2016, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present technology relates to tracking changes in parameters used tooperate an automated production line, where the automated productionline can include one or more robots.

INTRODUCTION

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

A high incidence of down time is associated with unauthorized orfrequent changes to parameters and program sequences controllingautomated production lines. It is desirable, therefore, to provide meansfor identifying and analyzing such changes to maintain optimalperformance of such production lines.

SUMMARY

The present technology includes systems and processes that relate tochange analysis of operating parameters for automated production linesand ways to provide notification of such changes, allowing one toreceive and optimize block parameters in controlling robots.

According to the present technology, change analysis of automatedproduction lines can maximize operation of such automated productionlines including one or more robots. Change analysis can serve in processoptimization, tracking unauthorized changes affecting trajectories, userparameter changes that impact production line trajectories, identifyinguncovered performance or fitness issues, and studying other side effectsin device performance. The present technology can be used when a userwants to track the changes in program parameters and user parametersthat impact the trajectory of the motion of the automated productionline. Trajectory changes can directly impact energy consumption, unknownside effects that may cause motion faults, servicing intervals, etc. Aschematic display of changes relative to the automated production linecan allow one to quickly visualize trajectory changes and robot changes,as well as how multiple changes may interact or change trajectoriesalong the automated production line. The change analysis can summarizethe hierarchical representation of user changes to isolate changes andcan identify whether any unauthorized changes occurred that caused ormay cause production down time, or changes that can be used inidentifying deterioration or failure of sub-components of the automatedproduction line. Hierarchy structure of the automated production linecan have various levels like plant, line, cluster, shift, station,robot, and style level.

In certain embodiments, ways are provided to implement change analysisof an automated production line including at least one robot. Suchmethods can include monitoring a plurality of operating parametersassociated with the automated production line including the at least onerobot. At least one change to the plurality of operating parameters isrecorded. A notification is then provided identifying the at least onechange to the plurality of operating parameters. As a result, at leastone of the operating parameters can be adjusted in response to thenotification. An action can also be performed in response to thenotification, where the action can include one or more of making anenvironmental change to the automated production line, correcting amalfunction, performing a service interval, replacing a worn part,resolving an operational conflict, restoring power, and combinationsthereof. In this manner, the change analysis can optimize operation ofthe automated production line.

In some embodiments, methods are provided for change analysis of anautomated production line including a plurality of robots. In suchmethods, a plurality of operating parameters associated with theautomated production line can be monitored, where the plurality ofoperating parameters includes a plurality of data blocks associated witha plurality of controllers, each controller controlling a respectiverobot. At least one change to the plurality of operating parameters isrecorded, where the at least one change is received by the automatedproduction line and includes a change to one of the data blocksassociated with one of the controllers. A notification is provided thatidentifies the at least one change to the plurality of operatingparameters. The notification includes a former value associated with theoperating parameter prior to the change and a new value associated withthe operating parameter after the change. The notification also includesmapping the at least one change to the plurality of operating parametersonto a representation of the automated production line, the mapping canthereby identify a portion of the automated production line affected bythe at least one change.

In various embodiments, methods are provided for change analysis of anautomated production line including a plurality of robots where aplurality of operating parameters are monitored, the operatingparameters associated with the automated production line including theplurality of robots. The plurality of operating parameters includes aplurality of data blocks associated with a plurality of controllers,with each controller controlling a respective robot. Recordation of atleast one change to the plurality of operating parameters is performed,where the at least one change is reported by the automated productionline and includes a change to one of the data blocks associated with oneof the controllers. The change includes an environmental change, amalfunction, identification of a service interval, a wear indicator, anoperational conflict, and/or a power failure. A notification identifyingthe at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters is thenprovided, where the notification includes a former value associated withthe operating parameter prior to the change and a new value associatedwith the operating parameter after the change. The notification alsoincludes a map of the at least one change to the plurality of operatingparameters onto a representation of the automated production line. Inthis way, the map identifies a portion of the automated production lineaffected by the at least one change.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of an automated production line wherechanges are received by the automated production line.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic of an automated production line wherechanges are reported by the automated production line.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature ofthe subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, andis not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specificinvention claimed in this application or in such other applications asmay be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuingtherefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presentedis exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can bedifferent in various embodiments. Except where otherwise expresslyindicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to beunderstood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatialdescriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially”in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when appliedto numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurementallows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach toexactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value;nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” is nototherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about”as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise fromordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.

All documents, including patents, patent applications, and scientificliterature cited in this detailed description are incorporated herein byreference, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Where any conflict orambiguity may exist between a document incorporated by reference andthis detailed description, the present detailed description controls.

Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym ofnon-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is usedherein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology,embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting termssuch as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for anygiven embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, thepresent technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of,or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or processsteps excluding additional materials, components or processes (forconsisting of) and excluding additional materials, components orprocesses affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (forconsisting essentially of), even though such additional materials,components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application.For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A,B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consistingessentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recitedin the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as beingexcluded herein.

The present technology provides various ways to analyze changes to anautomated production line including one or more robots, where suchrobots can be configured for painting, welding, cutting, lifting,gripping, packaging, palletizing, etc. of one or more workpieces orarticles at one or more workstations along the automated productionline. Change analysis includes monitoring a plurality of operatingparameters associated with the automated production line including theat least one robot. At least one change to the plurality of operatingparameters is recorded. A notification is then provided that identifiesthe at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters. Thenotification can be provided to a user, such as a human operator or anautomated system. The user can then intervene in the operation of theautomated production line or initiate one or more automated responsesparticular to the notification.

The notification can include a former value associated with theoperating parameter prior to the change and a new value associated withthe operating parameter after the change. The former and new values canallow the user to determine the extent of the change or whether thechange has attained a certain threshold. The recording of the change(s)to the operating parameters can be provided as a notification inreal-time. Alternatively, the recording of one or more changes to theoperating parameters can occur over a predetermined time interval. Thenotification can then be provided after the predetermined time interval.The notification can therefore be provided in time blocks (e.g., aminute, a half-hour, 1 hour, once-a-day, etc.), where the notificationcan include multiple changes that occurred during the predetermined timeinterval. Recording and notification can be repeated as desired, usingthe predetermined time interval, for example, so that successive changesare part of successive notifications. Notifications can also include asummary of changes for any given operating parameter, such as where thenotification includes an original value, a changed value, and at leastone more change to the value, etc. In this manner, the notification canprovide a history of any changes to the operating parameters associatedwith the automated production line and associated robot(s). Various wayscan be used to distinguish changes to an operating parameter in thenotification, including timestamps, colors, chronological lists, etc. Itis further possible to adjust the predetermined time interval to alterthe recording time until a notification is provided of any changes.

The change analysis technology provided herein can be used at variouspoints in operation of an automated production line employing one ormore robots. For example, the change analysis can be concomitant withoperation of the automated production line. The change analysis can alsobe performed when the automated production line is placed in operation,for example, during a powering-up phase of the line. Change analysis canalso be applied during validation or trouble shooting of the automatedproduction line.

The plurality of operating parameters associated with the automatedproduction line can include a plurality of data blocks associated withone or more controllers, where the one or more controllers control oneor more robots. One or more changes to the operating parameters caninclude one or more changes to the data blocks. The data blocks canrelate to operating parameters of a respective robot, including rangesof motion, actions, location and manipulation of workpieces or articles,operation of one or more tools associated with the robot, durations ofactions, movement through three-dimensional space, resetting positionsfor successive actions and/or operations on successive workpieces orarticles, etc. The data blocks can also relate to sensors associatedwith the robot, where the sensors evaluate or measure aspects relatingto workpieces or articles, and/or where the sensors evaluate or measureaspects relating to the performance of the robot. Examples include datablocks associated with supply levels associated with the robot or toolsemployed by the robot (e.g., paint, welding material, fasteners, etc.)and data blocks associated with robot diagnostics, including range ofmotion, force and torque measurements, operating speed, lubricationstatus, service hours relating to service intervals, etc.

The notification provided in the change analysis can include mapping oneor more changes to the operating parameters onto a representation of theautomated production line. In this way, the mapping can identify aportion of the automated production line affected by the at least onechange. Successive or additional changes can also be mapped followingthe provision of further notifications. The mapping can thereforeprovide a dynamic representation of any changes occurring in operationparameters at one or more robots, for one or more workpieces orarticles, and/or at one or more workstations within the automatedproduction line. The mapping can constitute a representation of theautomated production line as a two-dimensional schematic or a pseudothree-dimensional schematic, such as a perspective view of the automatedproduction line. Mapping output can also be provided in graphical formthat can allow the representation of the automated production line to berotated, provide a change in zoom level, or provide a change in color,appearance, movement or flashing to readily identify the location of anychanges along the representation of the automated production line. Thenotification can be provided on a touch screen to enable quick andsimple negotiation of the mapping data and can include various lists orhistories of changes by tapping on a location of a change.

Different types of changes can be recorded relative to the operatingparameters of the automated production line. Changes include one or morechanges received by the automated production line. For example, a changecan be made to a robot, workstation, or other component of the automatedproduction line, where the received change can reconfigure or alter theprogramming of functioning of the automated production line. One or morerobots can receive a change. The operating parameters can include datablocks associated with a controller that controls at least one robot.The change received by the automated production line can include one ormore changes to the data blocks associated with the controller. Initialsetup, trouble shooting, or customizing of the robot can include changesto the data blocks. Various operators and repair or maintenancetechnicians can provide changes that are received by the automatedproduction line. Adaption to new workpieces or articles processed on theautomated production line may require changes to the operatingparameters, where such changes received by the automated production lineaccommodate the new workpieces or articles. Changes to the data blocksassociated with the controller can be entered using the controller.Alternatively, changes received by the automated production line can beremotely transmitted from a user (e.g., a human operator or an automatedsystem).

Other changes that can be recorded relative to the operating parametersof the automated production line include one or more changes reported bythe automated production line. That is, the automated production linecan include various sensors or self-diagnostics to report a change inoperation thereof or status thereof. Examples include where a robot,workstation, or other component of the automated production line reportsa change including an environmental change, a malfunction,identification of a service interval, a wear indicator, an operationalconflict, and/or a power failure. Environmental changes can includechanges in temperature, humidity, etc. Malfunctions and serviceintervals can be reported via the change analysis. Wear indicators canreport changes in movement or tolerances in movement thresholds, forceor torque, or the expenditure of supplies such as paint, weldingmaterials, fasteners, etc. Examples of operational conflicts includewhere a sensor detects unexpected physical contact, unexpectedlimitations in range of motion, unexpected or absent workpieces orarticles, etc. A power failure or communication failure in a robot,workstation, or other component can also be reported by the automatedproduction line.

The present technology further provides ways to respond to one or morechanges provided via the notification. For example, the operatingparameters of the automated production line can be adapted in responseto the change. This can include adjusting at least one of the operatingparameters in response to the notification. For example, an adjustmentor correction can be applied to offset an effect of the change. Variousactions can also be taken in response to the notification, includingmaking an environmental change to the automated production line,correcting a malfunction, performing a service interval, replacing aworn part, recharging or refilling a consumable, resolving anoperational conflict, and/or restoring power.

Certain methods are provided for change analysis of an automatedproduction line including a plurality of robots, where the methodsinclude steps of monitoring, recording, and providing a notification.The monitoring step includes monitoring a plurality of operatingparameters associated with the automated production line including theplurality of robots, the plurality of operating parameters includes aplurality of data blocks associated with a plurality of controllers,each controller controlling a respective robot. The recording stepincludes recording at least one change to the plurality of operatingparameters, wherein the at least one change is received by the automatedproduction line and includes a change to one of the data blocksassociated with one of the controllers. Providing a notificationincludes where the notification identifies the at least one change tothe plurality of operating parameters, where the notification includes aformer value associated with the operating parameter prior to the changeand a new value associated with the operating parameter after thechange. The notification also includes mapping the at least one changeto the plurality of operating parameters onto a representation of theautomated production line, with the mapping identifying a portion of theautomated production line affected by the at least one change.

Additional methods are provided for change analysis of an automatedproduction line including a plurality of robots. Such methods includemonitoring a plurality of operating parameters associated with theautomated production line including the plurality of robots, where theplurality of operating parameters includes a plurality of data blocksassociated with a plurality of controllers, and each controller controlsa respective robot. At least one change to the plurality of operatingparameters is recorded, where the at least one change is reported by theautomated production line and includes a change to one of the datablocks associated with one of the controllers. The change includes oneor more of an environmental change, a malfunction, an identification ofa service interval, a wear indicator, an operational conflict, and apower failure. A notification is provided that identifies the at leastone change to the plurality of operating parameters, where thenotification includes a former value associated with the operatingparameter prior to the change and a new value associated with theoperating parameter after the change. The notification further includesmapping the at least one change to the plurality of operating parametersonto a representation of the automated production line to identify aportion of the automated production line affected by the at least onechange.

Other methods for program and variable change analysis for factoryautomation devices including a robot with a controller are provided.Such methods can include monitoring data blocks on the controller forvariables and scanning programs for any changes including creation,deletion, and its properties. These methods can advise a user whatchange has occurred. For example, the data blocks can be at least one ofvariables, system or user, registers, and digital I/O and line-by-linechanges for user or system programs. Such methods can also include theuse of an Intelligent Messaging Service (IMS) to facilitate sending datavia configured transport channels which could be email, or HTTP client,or texting any configured phone, or file dump to remote devices, whichinclude the change based on user configurations.

References herein to a robot and an associated controller also apply tomultiple robots, multiple controllers, and/or master/slave robotconfigurations. Variable change monitoring includes monitoring datablocks on the controller and advising the user what change has occurred.These blocks can be: variables, system or user; registers; and digitalI/O. Similarly, user programs can be monitored for any changes that auser has made which monitors, creation, deletion, any property ofprograms i.e. header information which includes write protection, groupmasks, any associated creator credentials, access level etc., anyremarks or comments. Each change can be identified as soon as it happensalong with the new and old values to see the differences. Notificationof change can be sent to the user via Intelligent Messaging Service (IMShereinafter). Frequency of notification is configurable and can becontrolled during run time.

An IMS can be used to facilitate sending data via various transportchannels like email, or HTTP, texting, and file dump to remote devicesbased on user configuration settings. It can provide mainly twofunctions: (1) notifying the user about the change based on a userconfiguration provided via XML file or an on-screen configuration; and(2) custom user program can be used to send user defined messages e.g.production status, part counts, summary etc. This feature can alsoinclude system variables to control the queue size and a timer to sendthe messages. IMS also allows sending data on high priority basis ifmarked. This was high priority data can be send immediately. There isanother timer to send the status message out every so often. The statusmessage will get sent on each power up and then every set period thatcan include summary information what options loaded and last power offtime etc. At power up the IMS can execute a task that will read a fileand build the scanning data structures. According to the data in thisfile variables are scanned by the IMS task. For any changes an error isposted, logbook can be updated and the change can be sent using theconfigured method.

EXAMPLES—With reference to FIG. 1, a first embodiment 100 of a changeanalysis according to the present technology is applied to an automatedproduction line 105 including multiple robots 110, where the automatedproduction line 105 is shown generally in an overhead schematic view.The automated production line 105 also includes a conveyor 115 to moveworkpieces 120, here depicted as three automobile bodies, in thedirection of the arrows, and a workstation 125, here configured as apaint booth. The automated production line 105 shown may be only aportion of a larger automated production line and it is understood thatthe automated production line 105 may include additional components,including additional robots 110, conveyors 115, workpieces 120, andworkstations 125, among other components. A user 130 can communicatewith the automated production line 105 using an electronic device 135,depicted as a computer. It is understood that the user 130 and/or theelectronic device 135 can be remote or local to the automated productionline 105, can communicate with the automated production line 105 througha wired or wireless network, and that the electronic device 135 can takemany forms from personal computers, computer workstations, laptopcomputers, to various handheld devices, including various smartphones.The electronic device 135 can also communicate with other electronicdevices using cellular networks or the internet. For example, the user130 can have a smartphone on their person that can act as a secondelectronic device 135.

One or more operating parameters associated with the automatedproduction line 105 can be monitored, where the operating parametersinclude data blocks associated with controllers, each controllercontrolling a respective robot 110. Particular controllers are not shownin the figure, as the controller for each robot 110 can be part of therobot 110, can be a separate part of the automated production line 105,and/or can be part of the electronic device 135 that is in communicationwith each robot 110. One or more changes to the operating parameters arerecorded, where one or more changes are received by the automatedproduction line and include a change to one of the data blocksassociated with one of the controllers. For example, the automatedproduction line 105 may have a recording means or the electronic device135 can be configured to record the one or more changes. The one or morechanges are received by the automated production line 105 as shown bycommunication arrows 140, 145, and 150 originating from the electronicdevice 135. It is understood that the change(s) can also be received bythe automated production line 105 in other ways, including remote ormanual entry into a controller of a particular robot 110, changing anoperating parameter of a workstation 125 or the conveyor 115, etc. Thecommunication arrows 140, 145, and 150 represent certain examples ofwhere the automated production line 105 receives multiple changes tooperating parameters. In particular, communication arrow 140 representsan instruction from the electronic device 135 (as inputted by the user130) to change the paint color being applied by the robot 110 within thepaint booth workstation 125. Communication arrow 145 represents aninstruction to change an exhaust fan speed of the paint boothworkstation 125. Communication arrow 150 represents an instruction tochange the location of an assembly operation on the workpiece 120 by therespective robot 110.

Once the changes directed by communication arrows 140, 145, and 150 arereceived by the automated production line 105, a notificationidentifying the changes to the respective operating parameters isprovided. The notification can be provided back to the electronic device135 and stored as part of a history log, or can be sent to anotherelectronic device such as one or more users' smartphones. Thenotification includes a former value associated with the operatingparameter prior to the change and a new value associated with theoperating parameter after the change. In this manner, the nature orextent of the change can be readily identified. The notification alsoincludes mapping the changes to the operating parameters onto arepresentation of the automated production line 105, where the mappingidentifies portions of the automated production line 105 affected by thechanges. For example, the notification can include a map graphicallydepicting the automated production line on a screen of an electronicdevice (e.g., electronic device 135), where the graphic depictionincludes the features encompassed by box 155. Robots 110 that receivedchanges can be identified by highlights 160 (shaded area), color change,flashing, etc. The user 130 can therefore readily ascertain the locationof changes to the automated production line 105 using the mapping andgraphic depiction included in box 155. It should be appreciated that thechanges directed by communication arrows 140, 145, and 150 can be partof the same notification or can be separated in time and provided insuccessive notifications.

With reference to FIG. 2, a second embodiment 200 of a change analysisaccording to the present technology is applied to an automatedproduction line 205 including multiple robots 210, where the automatedproduction line 205 is shown generally in an overhead schematic view.The automated production line 205 also includes a conveyor 215 to moveworkpieces 220, here depicted as three automobile bodies, in thedirection of the arrows, and a workstation 225, here configured as apaint booth. The automated production line 205 shown may be only aportion of a larger automated production line and it is understood thatthe automated production line 205 may include additional components,including additional robots 210, conveyors 215, workpieces 220, andworkstations 225, among other components. A user 230 can communicatewith the automated production line 205 using an electronic device 235,depicted as a computer. It is understood that the user 230 and/or theelectronic device 235 can be remote or local to the automated productionline 205, can communicate with the automated production line 205 througha wired or wireless network, and that the electronic device 235 can takemany forms from personal computers, computer workstations, laptopcomputers, to various handheld devices, including various smartphones.The electronic device 235 can also communicate with other electronicdevices using cellular networks or the internet. For example, the user230 can have a smartphone on their person that can act as a secondelectronic device 235.

One or more operating parameters associated with the automatedproduction line 205 can be monitored, where the operating parametersinclude data blocks associated with controllers, each controllercontrolling a respective robot 210. Particular controllers are not shownin the figure, as the controller for each robot 210 can be part of therobot 210, can be a separate part of the automated production line 205,and/or can be part of the electronic device 235 that is in communicationwith each robot 210. One or more changes to the operating parameters ofthe automated production line 205 are recorded, where the changes arereported by the automated production line 205. These include changes toone or more data blocks associated with one of the controllers. Forexample, the automated production line 205 may have a recording means orthe electronic device 235 can be configured to record the one or morechanges. The changes reported by the automated production line 205 areshown as communication arrows 240, 245, and 250 originating from tworobots 210 and the workstation 225 of the automated production line 205.It is understood that these changes can also be reported by theautomated production line 205 in various ways, including wired andwireless communication to various electronic devices, including thedepicted electronic device 235, a smartphone carried by the user 230 orother individuals, via cellular networks or the internet, etc. Thecommunication arrows 240, 245, and 250 represent certain examples ofwhere the automated production line 205 reports multiple changes tooperating parameters. In particular, communication arrow 240 representswhere the supply of paint to the respective robot 210 within the paintbooth workstation 225 needs replenished or has run out. Communicationarrow 245 represents where a sensor in the paint booth workstation 225has identified a change in humidity that can affect paint application.Communication arrow 250 represents where the respective robot 210 hasascertained a failure in meeting a selected torque threshold inoperating on the workpiece 220, which may be indicative of a malfunctionof or wear to the robot 210.

Once the changes depicted by the communication arrows 240, 245, and 250are reported by the automated production line 205, a notificationidentifying the changes to the respective operating parameters isprovided. The notification can be provided to the electronic device 235and stored as part of a history log, or can be sent to anotherelectronic device such as one or more users' smartphones. Thenotification includes a former value associated with the operatingparameter prior to the change and a new value associated with theoperating parameter after the change. In this manner, the nature orextent of the change can be readily identified. The notification alsoincludes mapping the changes to the operating parameters onto arepresentation of the automated production line 205, where the mappingidentifies portions of the automated production line 205 affected by thechanges. For example, the notification can include a map graphicallydepicting the automated production line on a screen of an electronicdevice (e.g., electronic device 235), where the graphic depictionincludes the features encompassed by box 255. Robots 210 that reportedchanges can be identified by highlights 260 (shaded area), color change,flashing, etc. The user 230 can therefore readily ascertain the locationof changes to the automated production line 205 using the mapping andgraphic depiction included in box 255. It should be appreciated that thechanges depicted by the communication arrows 240, 245, and 250 can bepart of the same notification or can be separated in time and providedin successive notifications.

It should be understood that the present technology contemplates changeanalysis combinations of the first embodiment 100 and the secondembodiment 200, where an automated production line receives one or morechanges to the operating parameters and reports one or more changes tothe operating parameters.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled inthe art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples ofspecific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not beemployed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many differentforms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of thedisclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes,well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are notdescribed in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations ofsome embodiments, materials, compositions and methods can be made withinthe scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for change analysis of an automated production line including at least one robot, the method comprising the steps of: (a) monitoring a plurality of operating parameters associated with the automated production line including the at least one robot; (b) recording at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters; and (c) providing a notification identifying the at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the notification includes a former value associated with the operating parameter prior to the change and a new value associated with the operating parameter after the change.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein: the step (b) includes recording the at least one change over a predetermined time interval; and the step (c) occurs after the predetermined time interval.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the step (b) includes recording a plurality of changes to the plurality of operating parameters over the predetermined time interval.
 5. The method of claim 3, further comprising: (d) repeating the steps (b) and (c) with respect to at least one more change to the plurality of operating parameters.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the notification in the repeating of the step (c) distinguishes the at least one change and the at least one more change.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the predetermined time interval is adjusted between the steps (c) and (d).
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the automated production line is in operation during the method.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed when the automated production line is placed in operation.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of operating parameters includes a plurality of data blocks associated with a controller, the controller controlling the at least one robot.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters includes a change to at least one of the data blocks.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the automated production line includes a plurality of robots, the plurality of operating parameters includes a plurality of data blocks associated with a plurality of controllers, each of the controllers controlling a respective robot.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the notification provided in the step (c) includes mapping the at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters onto a graphical representation of the automated production line, the mapping identifying a portion of the automated production line affected by the at least one change.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the representation of the automated production line includes one of a two-dimensional schematic and a pseudo three-dimensional schematic.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one change is a change received by the automated production line.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the plurality of operating parameters includes a plurality of data blocks associated with a controller, the controller controlling the at least one robot, and the change received by the automated production line includes a change to one of the data blocks associated with the controller.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the change to one of the data blocks associated with the controller is entered using the controller.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one change is a change reported by the automated production line.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the change reported by the automated production line includes a member selected from the group consisting of: an environmental change, a malfunction, an identification of a service interval, a wear indicator, an operational conflict, a power failure, and combinations thereof.
 20. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting at least one of the operating parameters in response to the notification.
 21. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing an action in response to the notification, the action including a member of the group consisting of: making an environmental change to the automated production line, correcting a malfunction, performing a service interval, replacing a worn part, recharging or refilling a consumable, resolving an operational conflict, restoring power, and combinations thereof.
 22. A method for change analysis of an automated production line including a plurality of robots, the method comprising: (a) monitoring a plurality of operating parameters associated with the automated production line including the plurality of robots, the plurality of operating parameters including a plurality of data blocks associated with a plurality of controllers, each of the controllers controlling a respective robot; (b) recording at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters, wherein the at least one change is received by the automated production line and includes a change to one of the data blocks associated with one of the controllers; and (c) providing a notification identifying the at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters, wherein the notification includes a former value associated with the operating parameter prior to the change and a new value associated with the operating parameter after the change, and the notification includes mapping the at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters onto a graphical representation of the automated production line, the mapping identifying a portion of the automated production line affected by the at least one change.
 23. A method for change analysis of an automated production line including a plurality of robots, the method comprising: (a) monitoring a plurality of operating parameters associated with the automated production line including the plurality of robots, the plurality of operating parameters including a plurality of data blocks associated with a plurality of controllers, each of the controllers controlling a respective robot; (b) recording at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters, wherein the at least one change is reported by the automated production line and includes a change to one of the data blocks associated with one of the controllers, the change including a member selected from the group consisting of: an environmental change, a malfunction, identification of a service interval, a wear indicator, an operational conflict, a power failure, and combinations thereof; and (c) providing a notification identifying the at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters, wherein the notification includes a former value associated with the operating parameter prior to the change and a new value associated with the operating parameter after the change, and the notification includes mapping the at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters onto a graphical representation of the automated production line, the mapping identifying a portion of the automated production line affected by the at least one change. 